Our editorial team compared every key metric — fees, rules, profit split, payouts — so you can pick the right firm.
| Feature | FTMO | OneUp Trader |
|---|---|---|
| Payout | ||
| Profit Split | 80% → 90% | 100% (first $10,000), then 90% |
| First Payout | 30 | 14 |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly (first after 30 days) | Weekly |
| Max Account Size | $200,000 | $250,000 |
In this independent head-to-head comparison of FTMO vs OneUp Trader, we break down challenge rules, pricing, profit splits, and payout conditions to help you decide which prop firm is the better fit for your trading style.
FTMO: The Original Prop Firm, Proven Since 2015
OneUp Trader: Subscription-based futures prop trading with no phase requirements.
Based on our independent scoring methodology, FTMO scores 9.8/10 overall — but the best choice depends on your specific needs. Read the full comparison below.
BestProp Score: FTMO scores 9.8/10 vs OneUp Trader at 8.9/10.
Minimum Fee: FTMO starts from $155; OneUp Trader starts from $65/mo. OneUp Trader is cheaper at entry level.
Profit Split: FTMO offers 80% → 90%; OneUp Trader offers 100% (first $10,000), then 90%. OneUp Trader has the higher split.
Platforms: FTMO supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, DXtrade; OneUp Trader is on NinjaTrader, Sierra Chart, MultiCharts, TradeStation, Tradovate, and 15+ more.
Tradeable Markets: FTMO covers Forex, Metals, Indices, Crypto, Stocks; OneUp Trader offers Futures (ES, NQ, YM, CL, GC, 6E, and 35+ CME products).
Challenge fees are typically the biggest factor when choosing a prop firm. Here is how FTMO and OneUp Trader compare on pricing.
FTMO challenge fees start from $155. The firm has operated since 2015. They have funded over 3,500,000+ traders. Total payouts to date: $500M+.
OneUp Trader challenge fees start from $65/mo. The firm has operated since 2016.
On entry-level pricing, OneUp Trader offers a lower starting fee — an important factor if you are testing with a smaller account first.
FTMO profit split: 80% → 90%. OneUp Trader profit split: 100% (first $10,000), then 90%. OneUp Trader delivers the higher cut to traders.
Payout frequency: FTMO pays Bi-weekly (first after 30 days); OneUp Trader pays Weekly. Faster payouts are better for cash flow management.
Here is our full independent review of FTMO:
FTMO is the firm that defined the modern prop trading industry. Founded in January 2015 in the Czech Republic, FTMO pioneered the two-phase evaluation model that dozens of firms have since copied, and remains the benchmark against which every funded trading program is measured. With $500M+ paid out to traders across 140+ countries and a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating, its track record is unmatched in the space.
The firm operates on simulated capital — funded accounts use fictitious funds that mirror live market conditions, with profits paid as rewards. This structure is explicitly stated and legally compliant across most jurisdictions. For traders who want certainty above all else, FTMO remains the default choice.
FTMO suits professional and semi-professional traders who trade forex, metals, indices, or commodities on MetaTrader, cTrader, or DXtrade. The evaluation process is disciplined and methodical — it rewards consistent traders, not lucky ones.
It is less suitable for traders seeking instant funding, very short payout cycles, or crypto futures trading. FTMO’s monthly payout model and 30-day waiting period for the first reward are trade-offs you accept for the credibility and payout certainty that come with the most established name in the industry.
FTMO offers two evaluation formats, plus a free trial:
Challenge fees are refunded on your first profit reward. Account sizes from $10,000 to $200,000, with scaling up to $400,000 through FTMO’s Scaling Plan.
2-Step Program:
1-Step Program:
News trading is restricted on Standard 2-Step FTMO Accounts but allowed during the evaluation phases. Swing accounts have no such restrictions.
FTMO supports the widest platform range in the prop firm industry:
Tradable assets cover forex pairs, metals (gold, silver), indices, commodities, and crypto (CFDs). This is one of the broadest instrument sets in funded trading.
FTMO earns a 9.1 BestProp score — the highest we award. It is not the cheapest, fastest, or most flexible prop firm. But it is the most proven, with a decade of operation, $500M+ paid, and a transparent legal structure that has been tested across multiple regulatory environments.
If you are a serious trader looking for a funded account you can build a long-term career on, FTMO is where you start. The 30-day first payout and monthly cycle are the only real trade-offs, and they are worth it for the certainty you get in return.
Here is our full independent review of OneUp Trader:
OneUp Trader is one of the longest-standing futures prop firms in the industry, founded in 2016 and based in Delaware, USA. Rather than a traditional phased evaluation, OneUp uses a monthly subscription model — pay a flat monthly fee for an evaluation account and keep trading until you hit the profit target. There are no Phase 2 requirements.
OneUp uses a trailing max drawdown that locks in at your initial account balance. As your equity rises the drawdown level trails upward, but once it reaches your original starting balance it stops — meaning your maximum total loss from day one is capped at the drawdown amount. There is no daily loss limit, giving traders full flexibility on individual trading days.
Funded traders receive 100% of profits on the first $10,000 earned, then 90% on all profits thereafter. This makes OneUp unusually attractive in the early funded stage. Up to three funded accounts can be held simultaneously (one account for the Express plan).
News trading is prohibited during the funded phase with a 1-minute blackout window around major economic releases. High-frequency trading and latency arbitrage are banned — all positions must be held for at least 10 seconds. A consistency rule applies: the combined net profit of your three next-best trading days must equal at least 80% of your single best day, preventing performance from being dominated by one outlier session. Expert Advisors are permitted for individual accounts; copy trading across accounts is not.
OneUp supports 20+ platforms including NinjaTrader (provided free), Sierra Chart, MultiCharts, TradeStation, and Tradovate. Traders can access 40+ CME futures products including ES, NQ, YM, CL, GC, 6E, and a range of agricultural and currency contracts. Exchange data fees are waived — a meaningful cost saving compared to most futures brokers.
Payouts are processed weekly via bank wire, Bitcoin, USDT, or ETH. Crypto payouts carry a 5% processor fee. A 7-day free trial is available, allowing traders to test the platform before committing to a subscription.
Overall, our independent scoring gives FTMO the edge in this 2026 comparison. However, both firms have their merits. If OneUp Trader better matches your specific trading style, instruments, or preferred platform, it may still be the right choice for you.
Use our comparison table above and review the challenge fees at both firms before making your final decision. Both offer risk-free evaluation programs — the challenge fee is the only money at risk.
Based on our independent scoring, FTMO scores higher overall (9.8/10). The best choice depends on your trading style, preferred instruments, and account size.
OneUp Trader offers a lower entry-level challenge fee. However, always compare the full account sizes you plan to trade before deciding purely on price.
OneUp Trader offers the higher profit split. FTMO: 80% → 90%. OneUp Trader: 100% (first $10,000), then 90%.
EA policies: FTMO — check the review. OneUp Trader — check the review. Always verify the latest policy directly with the firm.
News trading: FTMO — check the review. OneUp Trader — check the review.
Read the full FTMO review → · Read the full OneUp Trader review →
Based on our scoring methodology, FTMO edges ahead in this comparison. However, the best choice depends on your trading style, preferred platform and account size. Read the full breakdown above for a detailed verdict.
FTMO offers 80% → 90% profit split, while OneUp Trader offers 100% (first $10,000), then 90% profit split. Check each firm's current terms as these can change.
Check our offers page for the latest verified deals on both firms.
FTMO processes first payouts in 30 day(s), while OneUp Trader takes approximately 14 day(s). Always verify current payout timelines on the firm's website.
Neither FTMO nor OneUp Trader are regulated in the traditional financial sense — prop firms operate as private companies providing traders access to simulated or real capital. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before participating in any prop challenge.
